Man United secure a comeback win over Southampton, thanks to Diallo’s hattrick.
Amad Diallo’s late heroics secured Manchester United a dramatic 3-1 comeback victory over Southampton in the Premier League on Thursday. United, looking to bounce back from recent struggles, were second best for much of the game and trailed after a Manuel Ugarte own goal just before halftime. The hosts found their breakthrough in the 82nd minute when Diallo equalized, and the Ivorian completed the turnaround in the 90th minute. He sealed his hat-trick in stoppage time, becoming the first United player to score three goals in a match since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2022. At 21, Diallo is also the second-youngest United player to achieve a Premier League hat-trick after Wayne Rooney. The win lifts United to 12th place with 26 points from 21 games, while Southampton remain bottom with six points, 10 shy of safety.
Amad Diallo’s 12 minute hat-trick. 🔴🤴🏾 pic.twitter.com/9T3i63m8IM
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 16, 2025
Wilfred Zaha set to join Charlotte FC on loan with verbal agreement in place.
Former Premier League star Wilfried Zaha is close to joining MLS side Charlotte FC on a one-year Loan from Galatasaray, with an option to extend through summer 2026, according to sources. The move will end Zaha’s current loan spell at Lyon, where he has struggled for game time, making just six appearances since joining in August. Zaha, 32, signed for Galatasaray in July 2023 after leaving Crystal Palace, where he spent 12 seasons and made 458 appearances. For the Turkish club, Zaha scored 10 goals in 43 games but eventually fell out of favor. Capped 33 times by Ivory Coast, Zaha missed the squad for their 2023 AFCON triumph. Charlotte FC, one of MLS’s newest teams, debuted in 2022 and made the playoffs in 2024, though they were eliminated in the first round by Orlando City.
🚨🇺🇸 Understand Wilfred Zaha will join MLS side Charlotte FC, deal verbally agreed and here we go!
He’s expected to travel in the next 24/48h for medical tests and contract signing.
Loan from Galatasaray until June 2026. pic.twitter.com/HutBRpwksi
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 16, 2025
Juventus and Man City to open direct discussion over Andrea Cambiaso.
Manchester City are reportedly ramping up their pursuit of Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso to bolster their defence, according to Sky Sports Italy. The club has prepared an initial €65m (£54.7m) bid, but Juventus are firm on their €80m (£67m) valuation. With Cambiaso under contract until 2029, Juventus holds the upper hand in negotiations and are reluctant to sell during the January window. City’s interest in Cambiaso coincides with uncertainty surrounding Kyle Walker’s future. The 34-year-old defender has expressed a desire to explore options abroad, with AC Milan rumored as a potential destination. Cambiaso has made 25 appearances for Juventus this season, contributing two goals and two assists, though he missed their Champions League win over City in December due to injury. Meanwhile, City are finalizing deals for Brazilian talent Vitor Reis, defender Abdukodir Khusanov, and striker Omar Marmoush as part of their January squad overhaul.
🚨🔵 Understand Manchester City will have direct talk with Juventus on Friday to discuss Andrea Cambiaso deal.
Initial talks on player side were positive about five year deal + option for further season.
City and Juve will also discuss timing of the deal, January or June. pic.twitter.com/h0wuUGXjmQ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 16, 2025
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer close to becoming Besiktas’ new head coach.
Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is on the verge of returning to management, with Besiktas set to appoint him as their new head coach. The Norwegian has been out of a job since leaving Old Trafford in November 2021 but is now poised to take charge of the Istanbul-based club, which recently parted ways with Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Interim coach Serdar Topraktepe has been leading the team, but Besiktas are eager for a permanent solution, and negotiations with Solskjaer are reportedly in the final stages. The club announced on Friday that talks had begun with Solskjaer, who is expected to finalize the deal upon arrival in Turkey. Besiktas, currently sixth in the Turkish Super Lig and struggling in the Europa League, hope Solskjaer can turn their fortunes around. His first game is likely to be against Athletic Club on January 22.
🚨 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Ole Gunner Solskjaer’s about to be the new Besiktas coach, reports Turkish media Sports Digitale! 💣💣🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/1rONhNmW4F
— CIIA Sports (@CIIASportsINT) January 16, 2025
Brazil star, Neymar will not be registered for the Saudi Pro League second half.
Neymar’s stint at Al-Hilal appears to be nearing an unceremonious end after manager Jorge Jesus revealed the Brazilian will not be registered for the second half of the Saudi Pro League season. Instead, Neymar will only be eligible to play in the AFC Champions League. Speaking after Al-Hilal’s 9-0 victory over Al-Fateh, Jesus stated: “Neymar can no longer perform at the level we’re accustomed to. His future depends on the administration.” Since joining Al-Hilal from PSG in August 2023 for €90 million, Neymar’s time has been plagued by injuries, including knee ligament damage suffered during an October World Cup qualifier. The 32-year-old has played just seven games, scoring once. With only a handful of potential matches remaining in the Champions League, Neymar’s departure this summer seems inevitable after what has been a frustrating chapter in his career.
🚨❌ Neymar will NOT be registered for second-half of Saudi Pro League.
Jorge Jesus: “Ney will not be registered, but he can participate in the Asian Champions League”.
“He’s world class. But the truth is, physically, Neymar can no longer perform at the level we are used to”. pic.twitter.com/e7YFqVNF3k
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 17, 2025